"Regardless, Dean, I've made my decision. I'm going after the Lust King—the owner of Grey Brothel, the most notorious establishment in Blue Fur City."
Osa's voice was cold, determined.
"Grey Brothel isn't like any other. They don't just buy slaves—they murder the parents of young women, kidnap them, and force them to work in the brothel."
He clenched his fists.
"I'm coming for your head—er, I mean your blood. Just wait for me, Lust King."
Dean laughed heartily as his transparent form flickered. "Hahaha! That's the spirit! Act like the Blood Vampire you are, not some deranged beast wearing human skin."
"So when are you planning to make your move?" Dean asked.
"Let's make it tomorrow, after training."
"Alright. But I'm not sure I'll be coming with you."
Osa frowned. "Why? You know I need you in case something goes wrong."
"What could possibly go wrong?" Dean asked, clearly amused.
"Nothing, I just... I want you there. It might be an interesting experience, you know?"
"Fine. But you have to make it interesting for me."
"Sure, I will."
"Then it's a deal. I'll come with you."
After that, they resumed training.
Today, Osa had officially reached the third stage of Vion. He could finally use Vion energy to empower his cells. The thought of going after Grey Brothel and slaughtering the Lust King made his blood sing with anticipation.
"Hehe. You don't seem like a very good person," Dean teased.
Osa snorted but said nothing.
He'd noticed the change in himself—talking about killing someone didn't bother him anymore. It felt... natural. Almost inevitable.
"Don't worry. You'll regain your former personality eventually," Dean said, though he was clearly laughing.
"What do you mean, I'll get back my previous personality?" Osa asked, confused.
"Don't worry about it. You'll understand later."
Dean refused to explain further.
"Regardless," Dean continued, his tone turning serious, "even though you're stronger than most hybrids, you still need to prepare. Defeating one in actual combat is no laughing matter."
After a brief rest, Dean began drilling Osa in hand-to-hand combat, teaching him how to integrate the third stage of Vion during battle, along with a few basic maneuvers.
After training, Osa dragged his exhausted body back to his small house. Without even bothering to shower, he collapsed onto his tiny bed and fell asleep immediately.
When he woke the following morning, Osa grabbed the broom from its usual corner and went outside to sweep. Today, he'd be making his trip to Grey Brothel in the southern district.
After finishing his sweeping two hours later, he headed to the orphanage to inform Mrs. Rose that he'd be traveling.
Mrs. Rose was initially concerned—traveling to the southern district could be dangerous—but after seeing Osa's determination, she could only wish him a safe journey.
Once home, Osa packed his small suitcase with the clothes he'd purchased a few days earlier. He took a bath, changed into his new outfit, and headed to the bus station with his luggage.
He boarded the bus without incident. A short while later, it began traveling toward the southern district.
In Wonder Nation, Blue Fur City was considered slightly larger than basic-tier cities but smaller than elementary-tier cities. When the southern and northern districts were combined, Blue Fur City's circumference exceeded 150 miles. The majority of the city's landmass was dominated by the Forsaken Mountain, which ran through the entire continent.
Blue Fur City had gained notoriety as the largest basic-size city in Wonder Nation. There were only ten other advanced-size cities in the nation, and one super-size city: Imperial City.
After two hours, Osa got off the bus and gazed at the familiar bus station.
It made him feel nostalgic. He'd been here ten years ago, when he was only six years old.
Pushing aside the distracting memories, Osa decided to find an inn where he could prepare for what was coming.
While strolling down the busy street, Osa searched for an affordable place to stay. He came across a few options, but the prices turned him away immediately—the first hotel charged three thousand dollars per night, while others ranged from one to two thousand.
How much money are they making every day? Osa wondered bitterly.
After wandering for a while, Osa reached the outskirts of the bus station. Exhausted from aimlessly searching, he decided to look for a quiet area where he could at least store his bags.
Just as he was about to give up on finding an inn, he noticed a broken signboard nearby. The words "Kenoly Pavilion" were written boldly across it.
Encouraged, he decided to give it one last shot.
The Kenoly Pavilion was a five-story structure, old but sturdy.
In the reception area sat an elderly man who appeared to be in his sixties. He looked frail, almost fragile—but as Osa met his gaze, something shifted.
The old man's eyes seemed to see through him. Through everything.
"Whoa. This small city finally has someone interesting!" Dean said suddenly.
Osa's instincts flared. Despite the man's weak appearance, he could feel it—this elderly man was far stronger than him.
"How strong is he?" Osa asked internally.
"Lord level," Dean replied.
"That high?" Osa asked, doubtful.
Dean rolled his eyes—or would have, if he had a physical form. "Didn't I tell you? Once you reach Lord level, I'll reveal the secret of the Godforsaken Mountain."
"Oh. So this old man is already at that level?" Osa asked enviously.
"Yes. I'm curious which faction he represents."
The old man spoke, his voice surprisingly gentle.
"Hello, kid. Are you here to rent a room?"
"Yes, sir. Is there a room available for the rest of the day?"